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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 02-01 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF ]HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION FEBRUARY 1, 1994 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sorenson called the meeting of the park and recreation commission to order at 6:36 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Sorenson, Commissioners Pollock, Shinnick, Peterson, Mead, and Knutson. Also present were City Councilmember Kristen Mann; Kathy Flesher, park and recreation department; and Administrative/Personnel Assistant Kim Sykes: Guests from the Brooklyn Community Band were also present. Sykes reported that due to a prior commitment, Commissioner Lasman was unable to attend this evening's meeting. • ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON Chairperson Sorenson called for nominations and election of a chairperson for the 1994 parks and recreation commission. Commissioner Mead nominated Arvid Sorenson to continue as chair. There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick and seconded by Commissioner Mead to close the nominations and elect Arvid Sorenson as chairperson. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 16. 1993 There was a motion by Commissioner Shinnick and seconded by Commissioner Pollack to approve the minutes of the November 16, 1993, park and recreation commission meeting. The motion passed. Councilmember Mann took this time to thank all of the commission members for their commitment to the park and recreation commission and her appreciation for their time and hard work over the last year. BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BAND The Brooklyn Community Band requested a recommendfion to the city council to reconsider cutting its program from the 1994 budget. The band dfor distributed copies of the past band budget. The director stated that $2,495 had been d'from the budget and that the band hopes to have the council's decision of dropping the d from its 1994 budget reversed. • They would also like to receive a 12-months grace peri to have time to make up the lost revenue. The director noted 24 percent of the band's members are Brooklyn Center residents. 02/01/94 - 1 - Councilmember Mann noted the band should submit a proposal for contractual services for nonprofit agencies. She advised the director to contact Finance Director Charlie Hansen for inclusion in the 1995 budget, and a proposal would need to be presented to the council for reconsideration for the 1994 budget. Commissioner Mead asked from where the money had been cut. It was reported by Councilmember Mann that the money had been cut from the park and recreation budget. Councilmember Mann explained the council was unsure of the number of Brooklyn Center residents who are members or of the band's involvement in the community, other than the Concert in the Park. There was discussion concerning the steps the band needs to take. One of the first steps is to prepare a summary of its involvement within the community; give a history of the band; a concert schedule; what attempts they have done to recruit members; profile of band members; and discuss how it is a growing organization and a viable part of the community. When asked by the commission if it was a necessity to have the full budgeted amount for 1994, they all affirmed that it was. Flesher of the park and recreation department asked if they would consider a reduction in the amount of money they had requested in the 1994 budget. The band director said that since this all came about, they have considered many ways to save money. When they play at concerts, they have needed City staff to assist in the transportation and setup of the equipment. This has meant over-time pay for those employees. They could cut this from their expenditures; but in doing so, it creates more problems for the band as they do not own a trailer or have storage facilities. They have considered reducing the number of • concerts they perform in the community, but that would also reduce their revenue streams. Flesher said storage may not be a problem, but the band would have to pick up or store instruments during regular business hours. The band director also said that clerical staff and band members would be willing to take pay cuts or agree to the elimination of their salary altogether in order to save the band. Commissioner Peterson asked if they have spoken to Brooklyn Park and if they are committed to continuation to their portion of the agreement. The director said they have given the band that commitment. There was discussion that centered on ways the band could promote itself and its activities within the community, fund raisers, recruiting possibilities to encourage more participation from Brooklyn Center residents. Commissioner Sorenson called for a recommendation. There was a motion by Commissioner Knutson and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to recommend to the city council to reinstate the band's budget of $2,495 for 1994 so they ' can have time to get a plan together for contractual services for nonprofit agencies for the 1995 budget. i 02/01/94 -2- Commissioner Peterson stated he hoped the council would be able to reconsider and reinstate the band's budget. Both Commissioner Mead and Councilmember Mann said it appears that the band is important to the community and that it would be missed. The motion passed. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRPERSON Chairperson Sorenson opened the discussion for vice chairperson. Commissioner Peterson was asked to continue in this position, and he agreed. PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT'S CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK Flesher gave a report on customer appreciation week. The intent was to thank everyone for participating in the various programs and activities offered by the community center. As part of appreciation week, the staff have been asking customers to fill out customer service surveys. They are surveying children in third through sixth grades and adults in an attempt to determine their needs and develop plans to meet those needs. RECESS There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Shinnick to recess the meeting. The motion passed. The park and recreation commission recessed at 7:20 p.m. and reconvened at 7:25 p.m. JOINT COUNCIL AND COMMISSIONS MEETING • There was discussion regarding the joint council and commissions meeting scheduled for February 10 and topics for presentation by the chairperson. Topics for discussion were highlights from 1993 which included: storm drainage improvements and the Park and Ride; Twin Lake trails; and playground improvements, i.e., Northpoint Park, which was an award- winning project. Items for 1994 included: Park Watch Program; Adopt a Park; Twin Lake ordinances; and Clean Rivers Program. There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Knutson that these items be part of the chairperson's presentation at the council and commissions joint meeting. The motion passed. PARK WATCH PROGRAM There was discussion regarding the Park Watch Program. The group felt that police statistics would provide information to the commission where efforts need to be focused initially. Observations were that criminal activity in the city's parks were cyclical and seasonal in nature. Commissioner Pollack said she would like to see information about the Park Watch Program in the community newsletter so that interest in the program can be developed. Flesher said that articles for the June issue need to be in by March 1, 1994. The group would like to work with those three or' four parks with the most need for action. The commission asked Sykes to contact Dave Grass, CSO/CPO, of the Brooklyn Center Police Department to meet with the group at the February 15 meeting. Flesher said she could gather police statistics on the city parks. 02/01/94 -3- NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the park and recreation commission is scheduled for February 15, 1994, • at 6:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Peterson and seconded by Commissioner Mead to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center park and recreation commission adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Chairperson • • 02/01/94 -4-